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Psoriatic Arthritis Management and Treatment

6 Mental Health Boosts That Fight Psoriatic Arthritis Symptoms

Psoriatic arthritis symptoms aren't just physical — the condition can take an emotional toll, too. Taking steps to reduce stress and boost your mood can make a big difference in managing the condition, so start here.

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If psoriatic arthritis symptoms have left you feeling blue, you’re certainly not alone: A 2010 review of studies published in the journal Pharmacy and Therapeutics concluded that people with psoriatic arthritis often bear a bigger emotional burden than people with other arthritic conditions. But there are a number of benefits to keeping your emotional health in check — boosting your mental outlook can have a positive effect on both the physical and emotional symptoms of the condition.

“People who have chronic diseases such as psoriatic arthritis often have increased stress levels due to the disease and the limitations it places on their lives,” says Eric L. Matteson, MD, MPH, chair of the division of rheumatology and a professor of medicine at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine in Rochester, Minn. If psoriatic arthritis limits your physical abilities, you might experience additional stress — especially if you have to rely on family members and friends for help, he says.

What’s more: The stress of living with a chronic illness can also trigger a flare, leading to a vicious cycle, Dr. Matteson says. But you aren't powerless. Here are six mental health boosts that can help lift your spirits and reduce your stress:

1. Get the best possible treatment for psoriatic arthritis. “Getting good control over psoriatic arthritis is known to improve mood as well as other symptoms,” Matteson says. “When you feel better, you have more energy to do the things you enjoy.” Keep a symptom diary and talk regularly with your doctor to make sure you're getting the most appropriate treatment for your psoriatic arthritis.

2. Move it so you don’t lose it. Exercise may be the last thing you feel like doing if you have joint pain and inflammation, but it’s one of the best things you can do for your mental and physical health, Matteson says. Exercise can boost energy and mood along with helping you maintain a healthy weight and lowering your risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other conditions linked to psoriatic arthritis. Begin slowly and build up to 30 minutes a day, but make sure you get the okay from your doctor before starting any new exercise routine. One fitness option to consider is joint-friendly water exercise — the water buoys your body to minimize joint pain.

3. Practice your favorite stress soothers. Stress can make aches and pains worse. “Stress is a factor in psoriatic arthritis flares and can exacerbate existing symptoms,” Matteson says. Whether it’s deep breathing, meditation, or listening to music, doing activities that help you take the edge off is key. “Hobbies help, too,” he says. “Choose a hobby that matches your physical ability."

Susan Albers-Bowling, PsyD, a psychologist at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation in Ohio, suggests yoga or acupuncture to help soothe the stress of psoriatic arthritis. These practices can help reduce levels of cortisol, the stress hormone. Controlling your breathing, one of the tenets of yoga, can help reduce anxiety and boost your ability to think clearly and cope well, Dr. Albers-Bowling says.

4. Be "present." “Being able to feel centered and in the moment can help to prevent your mind from adding to the pain,” Albers-Bowling says. Thinking negative thoughts can be like throwing fuel on the fire, as can dwelling on the past. Your pain will come and go at various times — manage it by telling yourself to focus on getting through the moment, she suggests.

5. Join a support group. Many people with psoriatic arthritis feel self-conscious and become isolated as a result, according to a research review published in the journal Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism in 2009. But there's emotional safety in numbers, so consider joining a support group to help connect with others who are in the same situation. Find one near you through the National Psoriasis Foundation. "Support systems are essential for all of us, and while family and friends are great, connecting with other people who know exactly how you feel can be very effective,” Matteson says.

6. Know when to say “when.” If you start to feel especially anxious and down and no longer enjoy the things you used to, seek professional help, Matteson says. Medications and talk therapy can help when reining in your emotions seems out of reach.

Last Updated: 4/14/2014

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